The Barry Chemistry Club has been an outstanding and award-winning ACS chapter at Barry University in Miami, FL, for about 25 years. In addition to providing opportunities related to academics for students of the physical sciences department, the Chem Club has established various ways to advance community outreach programs and services.  A beach clean-up was organized along with the Miami-Dade International Coastal Cleanup; over 600 lbs of trash were collected by the Chem Club volunteers in just one day. Professional development activities include ACS Program-In-A-Box webinars, Meet-the-Professor presentations from within our faculty, seminars on research opportunities both on and off campus and invited speakers from other Universities. Our Chem Club is especially passionate in giving back to the community, which is why the club actively collaborates with different schools and museums to educate young people about science and motivate them to develop an enthusiasm for science. Joining other university chapters from the South Florida ACS section, we presented various chemistry demos during NCW at the Fort Lauderdale Science Museum and Discovery. The SoFL-ACS section was nominated for a 2017 NCW ChemLuminary award for this event. In addition, other “chemistry magic” shows are presented for elementary school children in low income areas with fun hands-on experiences for the kids. Furthermore, the Chem Club members participate in the COACH program (Community Outreach Approaching Chemistry Hands-on) organized by the Barry U Physical Sciences department. Monthly or weekly trips to local elementary and middle schools are organized to educate children about science, with our students as their teachers, which is a great opportunity to give back to the community. During NCW we host a chemistry info table in the science building lobby and for Earth Week events on campus Chem Club hosts a booth at Barry University’s Earth Day celebration. Social activities include beginning of semester pizza parties, a Halloween costume party with special focus on science-themed costumes and treats for everyone, and end of the school year luncheon where awards for outstanding students are presented, and students and faculty come together for social activities such as chemistry-related bingo or Jeopardy. The variety of engaging chapter activities have largely had a positive impact on member recruitment and retention, contributing to the overall success of the chapter.

Barry University Chemistry Club: Fostering an inclusive scientific sommunity and improving science outreach every day!

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.